Social Worker – Child Protection Investigative Assessment

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Social Services HOURS: Full-time PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $67,643 – $76,099/year (108 Salary grade) FULL SALARY RANGE: $67,643 – $105,693/year LOCATION: Hybrid; telework and in-person at the Western Service Center, Apple Valley UNION: AFSCME 306 CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on 10/17/2024 Come join us at Dakota County and “Be more”. Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. Dakota County offers important careers the kind of careers that make a difference in peoples lives. Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves. This position is responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect reports. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this class. 1. Assess/investigate reports of child physical and sexual abuse and neglect 2. Conduct child forensic interviews using approved protocols 3. Collaborate with the various professions/agencies that may be encountered during an assessment such as: medical and mental health, law enforcement, attorneys, courts, other County social service staff, etc. 4. Effectively engage individuals and families to assess and evaluate needs and strengths, including child safety and risk. 5. Coordinate and provide services and advocacy to clients and families. 6. Facilitate access to community resources on behalf of the client. 7. Apply knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, and statutes and professional practice. 8. Complete agency, state, and federal required documentation as related to client activity according to mandated timelines. 9. Ability to work flexible schedule in response to emergency case assignments, clients availability, and other work related duties that may result in working outside the normal business hours. 10. Ability to present to the general public about child protection statutes and child protection practices specific to Dakota County 11. Testify in court (criminal, family, juvenile), prepare court documents and work with families involved in the court process 12. Assess requests for child welfare matters. Assist in obtaining/providing any identified services. Essential Functions: 1-12 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Knowledge of human development, family dynamics and systems, including crisis management and cultural competency. Knowledge of community resources and funding sources. Knowledge of medical diagnoses, medications, and basic medical terminology, as well as medical insurance processes and procedures. Knowledge of statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to social work and the ability to research the same. Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems. Interviewing, gathering information, problem solving, safety planning, negotiation, and listening skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities Ability to engage with, listen or, and interact with persons (being served and co-workers) effectively Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a County office building and on visits to clients homes. Some travel may be required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents and vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors dusts, gases and poor ventilation; hazardous materials such as chemicals, blood, and other body fluids; inadequate lighting; work space restricting movement; and intense noise may occur on visits to clients homes. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, camera, tape recorder and copy and fax machines. SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.